Local Instability : : Split Topicalization and Quantifier Float in German / / Dennis Ott.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter DGBA Backlist Complete English Language 2000-2014 PART1
• VerfasserIn: Ott, Dennis,
• Place / Publishing House: Berlin ;, Boston : : De Gruyter, , [2012]; ©2012
• Έτος έκδοσης: 2012
• Γλώσσα: English
• Σειρά: Linguistische Arbeiten , 544
• Φυσική περιγραφή: 1 online resource (174 p.)
• Other title: Frontmatter --; 0 Acknowledgments --; Contents --; 1 Introduction: Aims and Scope --; 2 Split Topics: Empirical Properties and Theoretical Problems --; 3 The Syntax of Split Topics: A Novel Approach --; 4 An Extension to Quantifer Float --; 5 Conclusion and Outlook --; References --; Index
• Περίληψη: This monograph argues for a novel approach to split topicalization and quantifier float in German, based on the premise that syntactic structure-building proceeds solely via free application of Merge. Following recent developments in the pursuit of a more principled theory of syntax, it is argued that the stipulative notion of ‘projection’ ought to be dispensed with: syntactic objects created by Merge are not headed, and endocentricity arises due to a simple search algorithm. When this algorithm fails, specifically in symmetric {XP,YP} structures, an unlabeled constituent results; where a label is required, such structures are locally unstable. It is argued that both split topics and floated quantifiers are the result of this kind of local instability: when an exocentric predication structure is merged in argument or adjunct position, XP must be displaced at the phase level to allow for determination of a label. It is this symmetry-breaking movement that yields the ‘split constituent’ in surface form. Based on careful empirical scrutiny of two recalcitrant problems for syntactic theory, the present work adduces substantial support for a ‘minimalist’ grammatical architecture devoid of phrase-structural residue.
• Μορφή: Mode of access: Internet via World Wide Web.
• ISBN: 9783110290950; 9783110238570; 9783110238457; 9783110636970; 9783110288995; 9783110288902; 9783110288896
• ISSN: 0344-6727
• DOI: 10.1515/9783110290950
• Πρόσβαση: restricted access
• Hierarchical level: Monograph
• Statement of Responsibility: Dennis Ott.

This monograph argues for a novel approach to split topicalization and quantifier float in German, based on the premise that syntactic structure-building proceeds solely via free application of Merge. Following recent developments in the pursuit of a more principled theory of syntax, it is argued th...